Kathmandu, Aug. 7
The Capstone Accelerator, the final phase of the
Entrepreneurship Skill-Building Programme supported by the U.S. Embassy Nepal,
was held in Kathmandu on Friday.
Twenty entrepreneurs, competitively selected from
across the country, participated in a three-day residential programme in
Kathmandu, where they received intensive training on business scaling,
investment readiness, and expanding access to international markets, informed the
International Development Institute (IDI).
The programme is supported by the US Embassy in Nepal
and was held in partnership with Aadyanta Advisory.
On Friday, the participants presented their businesses
before a panel of leading investors, industrialists, entrepreneurship ecosystem
partners, and experts. During the pitching session, they showcased the
potential of their ventures, innovation, scalability, export opportunities, and
investment strategies, while also receiving practical feedback and
recommendations from the expert panel.
According to the IDI, the 20 entrepreneurs were
selected through a competitive process from more than 200 participants who
attended regional workshops held in Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur,
Hetauda, Bhairahawa, and Pokhara. "The national Capstone Accelerator
provided advanced training focused on business expansion, investment readiness,
export potential, the application of artificial intelligence (AI), market
management, and strategic communications," it said.
Participants also showcased their products and
services. The exhibition provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to engage
directly with investors, business leaders, the American Chamber of Commerce in
Nepal (AmCham Nepal), and other U.S. business representatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Public Affairs at
the U.S. Embassy Nepal Mike Harker said that the programme was evidence of
strong economic partnership between the USA and Nepal.
"By investing in innovative Nepali entrepreneurs,
encouraging innovation, and strengthening connections among entrepreneurs,
industry, and investors, we are reinforcing economic diplomacy and private
sector collaboration," he said.
Stating that the journey of entrepreneurship involves
success, frustration and sometimes failure, Harker suggested having perseverance,
dedication and developing a network and investment in relationship building.
The jury panel included Harker, Co-founder of Khalti and
President of Fintech Alliance Nepal Amit Agrawal, and former MD of Daraz Nepal
Anchal Kunwar.
The organisers said that following the regional
workshops, participants attended a series of virtual masterclasses covering
legal compliance, export readiness, AI-driven business growth, and digital
marketing.
"During the three-day programme in Kathmandu,
participants further refined their business strategies through interactive
masterclasses, mentoring sessions, peer learning, and pitch coaching,"
they said in a statement.
The selected entrepreneurs represent a diverse range
of sectors, including agriculture, food, garment, ICT, manufacturing, handcraft,
and digital services.
Participants and businesses
|
S.N. |
Company |
Founder/Owner/ Representative |
Area of Business |
|
1 |
Pathsutra EDU |
Hari Krishna Lamichhane (Founder & CEO) |
EdTech, AI-powered education technology |
|
2 |
Saino Marketplace |
Kamal Raj Parajuli (Business Development
Head/Founder) |
E-commerce, marketplace for Made in Nepal products |
|
3 |
Kopila Valley Women Co-operative |
Apekshya Thapa (Manager) |
Handcrafted bags, home furnishings, textiles, light
manufacturing |
|
4 |
Lumle Coffee Estate |
Nabin Devkota (Founder/CEO) |
Specialty coffee, agribusiness, coffee processing,
barista training |
|
5 |
Himalayan Chiurika (Himalayan Chiuri Oil Pvt. Ltd.) |
Shambhu Babu Koirala (Founder & CEO) |
Chiuri butter, natural cosmetics ingredients,
agribusiness |
|
6 |
Bharosha Krishi Bahuudesiya Pvt. Ltd. (Chito Plus) |
Rajib Khanal (Co-founder) |
AgriTech, bio-inputs, biostimulants, livestock and
aquaculture products |
|
7 |
Syaahaar |
Sachin Makaju Shrestha (Head/Administrative Officer) |
Natural skincare and personal care products |
|
8 |
Didi Bahini Fabric |
Hisila Oli (Founder/Co-founder) |
Hemp and allo fibre textiles, garments, apparel |
|
9 |
Lumino Technology Pvt. Ltd. |
Bijay Kumal (Founder/CEO) |
Enterprise software, SaaS, digital transformation |
|
10 |
MM Digital Garage |
Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary (Founder/CEO) |
Digital marketing, branding, SEO, web development |
|
11 |
Jalberry |
Sushant Dhungana (Founder & CEO) |
Beverages, natural ice cream, FMCG |
|
12 |
Saraswati Dhaka Cloth Industry |
Anushesh Rayamajhi (CEO/Proprietor) |
Traditional Dhaka textiles and apparel |
|
13 |
Haadi Biryani |
Poshan Nepal (Co-founder/PR Head) |
Hospitality, restaurant, Mughlai and North Indian
cuisine |
|
14 |
Deepali's Achar & Masala |
Deepali Tandan (Founder) |
Food processing, pickles and spices |
|
15 |
Dami Treats (Pratigya Dairy & Ice Cream
Industry) |
Deepak Hamal (Founder/CEO) |
Dairy products, ice cream, bakery and sweets |
|
16 |
Nep Tech Pal Pvt. Ltd. |
Bibek Acharya (Founder/CEO) |
Software development, SaaS, mobile applications, AI |
|
17 |
Moonwake Skincare |
Aakriti Jalan (Founder/Formulator) |
Natural skincare, haircare and wellness products |
|
18 |
HomeSewa (Sriyog Consulting) |
Prakash Upreti (Founder/CEO; profile also identifies
him as CTO) |
On-demand home services digital marketplace |
|
19 |
Sharad Craft Creations Pvt. Ltd. |
Preetam Raj Pathak (Founder/CEO) |
Felt handicrafts, export-oriented manufacturing |
|
20 |
Aashutosh Bahuudeshya Udyog |
Aashika Kumari Giri (Founder/CEO) |
Food processing, Mithila cuisine products,
entrepreneurship training |
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